Europa
- The First V-1 Flying Bomb Attack on London (1944)
On June 13, 1944, during World War II, Germany launched the first V-1 flying bomb—nicknamed the “doodle bug”—against London. This marked the beginning of a new phase of aerial warfare, as the V-1 was the world’s first operational cruise missile. Of the 11 bombs launched that day, only four struck their targets, but the campaign would continue for months, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties in the United Kingdom. - The Peasants’ Revolt in England (1381)
On June 13, 1381, the Peasants’ Revolt in England, led by Wat Tyler, reached a climax as rebels set fire to the Savoy Palace in London. The revolt was a major uprising against economic hardship and feudal oppression, and the burning of the Savoy Palace—a symbol of aristocratic privilege—became one of its most dramatic moments. - Publication of the Edict of Milan (313)
The Edict of Milan, signed by Roman Emperors Constantine the Great and Licinius, was published on June 13, 313. This decree granted religious freedom throughout the Roman Empire, marking a pivotal moment for Christianity and religious tolerance in Europe. - Martin Luther Marries Katharina von Bora (1525)
On June 13, 1525, Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation, married Katharina von Bora, a former nun. Their union challenged the Catholic Church’s rules on clerical celibacy and became a symbol of the new Protestant ethos. - Marriage of Charles I of England and Henrietta Maria of France (1625)
On June 13, 1625, King Charles I of England married the Catholic princess Henrietta Maria of France at Canterbury. This marriage had significant political and religious implications, fueling tensions that would later contribute to the English Civil War. - European Parliament Elections (1999)
On June 10 and 13, 1999, the sixth direct elections to the European Parliament were held, marking another step in the ongoing process of European integration and democratic participation within the European Union. - In 1956, Real Madrid won the first European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League), defeating Stade de Reims 4–3 in Paris.
- In 1952, the “Catalina Affair” occurred when a Swedish DC-3 aircraft was shot down by a Soviet MiG-15 fighter over the Baltic Sea.
- In 1740, Georgia’s Governor James Oglethorpe began an unsuccessful attempt to take Spanish Florida during the Siege of St. Augustine.
America
- Miranda v. Arizona (1966): The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must inform suspects of their rights to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning, establishing the now-standard “Miranda rights” protocol.
- Thurgood Marshall Nominated (1967): President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Thurgood Marshall to the U.S. Supreme Court, making him the first African American justice on the Court.
- The 14th Amendment Passed (1866): The U.S. Congress passed the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, particularly aimed at protecting the rights of freed slaves.
- American League of Colored Laborers Founded (1850): The first African American labor union in the United States was established in New York City.
- Pentagon Papers Published (1971): The New York Times began publishing the Pentagon Papers, revealing government secrets about U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and fueling public opposition to the conflict.
- Pioneer 10 Exits the Solar System (1983): NASA’s Pioneer 10 became the first man-made object to leave the central Solar System, crossing the orbit of Neptune.
- U.S. Withdraws from Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (2002): The United States formally withdrew from the ABM Treaty, a Cold War-era agreement with the Soviet Union that limited anti-missile defenses.
- Charles Lindbergh Parade (1927): Aviator Charles Lindbergh received a ticker-tape parade up Fifth Avenue in New York City after his historic solo transatlantic flight.
- U.S. Postal Service Ruling (1920): The U.S. Postal Service ruled that children could not be sent by mail.
- Department of Labor Created (1888): The U.S. Congress established the Department of Labor.
- Donald Trump Arraigned (2023): Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president to be charged with federal crimes, pleading not guilty to 37 felony counts related to mishandling classified documents.
- Michael Jackson Acquitted (2005): After a 14-week trial, pop singer Michael Jackson was acquitted of child-molestation charges.
Asia
- Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (2019): On June 13–14, 2019, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, hosted a major summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), bringing together leaders from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on regional security, economic cooperation, and combating terrorism and organized crime.
Africa
- Implementation of the Group Areas Act in South Africa (1950)
On June 13, 1950, the South African government implemented the Group Areas Act. This law enforced strict racial segregation by assigning different residential and business areas to specific racial groups, forcibly removing non-white populations from the most developed urban areas. The Group Areas Act became a cornerstone of the apartheid system, institutionalizing racial discrimination and oppression in South Africa. - Nelson Mandela Arrives on Robben Island (1964)
On June 13, 1964, Nelson Mandela arrived at Robben Island to begin his life sentence, following his conviction in the Rivonia Trial. Robben Island would become synonymous with Mandela’s long struggle against apartheid and his eventual emergence as a symbol of resistance and reconciliation in South Africa. - International Albinism Awareness Day
June 13 is recognized as International Albinism Awareness Day. This observance is significant in Africa, where people with albinism often face discrimination, social exclusion, and violence. The day aims to promote awareness, educate the public, and advocate for the rights and protection of people with albinism across the continent.
This day in history: 13 june